EU leaders back ‘drone wall’ to repel Russia after airspace violations
France detains Russian-linked tanker crew as recent intrusions by drones and fighter planes fuel security concerns
European Union leaders backed plans on Wednesday to bolster the bloc’s defences against Russian drones as they met in Copenhagen days after airspace intrusions by unmanned aircraft rattled Denmark.
European authorities have accused Russia of brazen violations of the region’s airspace, including with recent incursions by drones over Poland and fighter planes over Estonia.
“Europe must be able to defend itself,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said after the EU summit.
“We need to strengthen our production of drones, of anti-drone capabilities, and this includes building up a European network of anti-drone measures that can protect and, of course, also neutralise intrusion from outside.”